Statistics

Understanding the scope of mental illnesses and their treatment is central to the mission of the NIMH. Much of what we understand in this area comes from research in the field of epidemiology, the scientific study of patterns of health and illness within a population. Research on mental health epidemiology shows that mental disorders are common throughout the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year, and that, overall, only about half of those affected receive treatment.

The information on these statistics pages includes the best statistics currently available on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental disorders for the population of the United States, in addition to information about possible consequences of mental illnesses, such as suicide and disability.

This resource is a continuing work in progress, and will be updated regularly as new statistics are released.